Grade 2 Certificate Refresher

The Grade 2 Certificate (G2C™) is a requirement for participating in the kayak stage of New Zealand’s famous Coast to Coast multisport race. This certificate ensures that participants possess the necessary kayaking skills to safely navigate the river section, particularly the Waimakariri River, which features fast-moving water, rapids, and other hazards. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect if you’re doing a one- or two-day Grade 2 Certificate (G2C™) Refresher course:

Purpose of the Refresher Course

The primary goal of the refresher is to:

• Update your skills if you already hold a Grade 2 Certificate but haven’t kayaked on moving water recently.
• Prepare you specifically for the conditions you’ll face in the Coast to Coast kayak stage, including river reading, paddling rapids, and rescue techniques.
• Meet safety standards, ensuring you’re fit and competent to tackle the race stage under race conditions.

Key Skills Covered

A refresher course will typically focus on the following:

1. River Reading Skills: Identifying the safest and most efficient lines through rapids.
2. Paddling Techniques:
   • Efficient forward paddling for endurance.
   • Techniques to control the kayak in fast-moving water, such as eddy turns, ferry gliding, and bracing.
3. Rapid Negotiation: Navigating Grade 2 rapids confidently.
4. Capsize and Self-Rescue: Practicing what to do if you capsize, including the ability to exit the kayak and re-enter with the help of others.
5. River Safety: Basic safety skills like avoiding hazards, understanding river flows, and using safety gear such as throw ropes.
6. Group Paddling: Practicing paddling in groups for safer navigation in race conditions.

Course Structure: 1-Day vs. 2-Day Refresher

• 1-Day Refresher:
  • Target Audience: Paddlers with recent river experience or strong confidence on Grade 2 waters.
  • Overview: This course is often intensive and fast-paced, focusing on the essentials. This typically involves water drills to refresh skills on the river, where you’ll tackle moving water and Grade 2 rapids.
  • Key Benefit: Ideal if you’ve been on the water recently and just need a quick, focused session to revalidate your certificate.
• 2-Day Refresher:
  • Target Audience: Paddlers who haven’t been on moving water for a while or want more practice before the race.
  • Overview: The first day usually focuses on reviewing flat-water and basic white-water skills. Day two typically involves a longer, more thorough river trip, allowing you to build confidence and refine techniques while spending more time on the water.
  • Key Benefit: The extended practice time helps ensure you feel comfortable in challenging conditions and are thoroughly prepared for the race.

Location of the Course

Refresher courses for the Grade 2 Certificate are usually run on the Mohaka, Waioeka, Whanganui and Tongariro rivers. The rapids in the Grade 2 sections are challenging enough to test your skills and manageable for intermediate paddlers.

Recommendations

If you’re rusty on your kayaking or haven’t paddled Grade 2 water in a while, a 2-day refresher course might be the best option. It allows for more on-water time, reducing stress during the actual race. For those who’ve maintained their skills, the 1-day refresher can be a good, quick option.